Q: What is peripheral neuropathy?
A: Nerve damage in the feet or lower limbs, most commonly caused by diabetes, is known as peripheral neuropathy. The nerves in the feet become damaged, and no longer function normally. Patients experience numbness, burning and/or tingling sensations. They may develop foot wounds due to the lack of normal sensation. Foot wounds are the major reason for limb loss in the diabetic population in the United States.
Dr. Chris Lesar is a vascular surgeon at Vascular Institute of Chattanooga and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.
Contributed Photo / Dr. Chris Lesar